Objective:

to evaluate, in a health worker population with COVID-19, the severity of the disease and the impact of an outpatient phase II PRCP based on exercise, on functional capacity, function measured with the post-COVID Functional Status Scale and job reinstatement.

Materials and method:

a quasi-experimental study was conducted involving 48 healthcare workers with COVID-19. Severity of infection, cardiopulmonary function, and PCFS were assessed at the beginning and end. The CPRP included a program of three weekly sessions of individualized continuous and interval exercises lasting 20 to 60 minutes, with an intensity of 60 to 80% of maximum heart rate over one month.

Results:

there were 19 moderate cases and 29 severe cases. The average age was 54 (SD: 15.5) years, with 41.7% being employees, 47.9% obese, and 39.6% hypertensive, 68.8% had typical pneumonia, 29.2% experienced post-traumatic stress, 43.8% had depressive syndrome, and 50% had anxiety disorders. Cardiopulmonary capacity improved from NYHA II (5.7 SD: 1.2) to NYHA I (8.2 SD: 2.0). Independence in activities of daily living (PCFS scale) improved and 36 patients returned to work. There were no severe complications.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated a positive impact of the CPRP on cardiopulmonary function and independence in daily and instrumental activities among healthcare workers with COVID-19, with 75% returning to their regular duties.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )